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LYLESLAND

NEWS

Lylesland Parish Church - Scottish Charity No SC O12468

December 2016

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1. Pastoral Letter

3. Parish Register

4. Winter Worship@Lylesland

5. Fundraising notelets

6. Thursday Fellowship

Christmas Lunch

7. World Mission News

8 The Guild

9. LiveWires

10. Congregational Board

11. Youth Fellowship

12. Thank Offering

13. Lunch@Lylesland

14. Finance

15. Lochfield Community Walking Group

16. Communion

16 Homeless Unit

17. Operation Christmas Child

18. Megamix

19. Church Secretary

20. Church Flowers

Page

Contents

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We wish to thank all those who contributed to this magazine and apologise for any omissions or

changes to the original text.

Please advise your Elder if you would like to have a large print version of the Newsletter.

The Deadline for the March issue is

FRIDAY 3rd FEBRUARY

Items may be handed direct to the office or emailed to

lyleslandparishchurch@ntlbusiness.com

Don’t forget to keep an eye on our website for information about our Church. You can find details of our Sunday services and other opportunities for worship and fellowship, our children and youth programmes, special upcoming events and other activities. Have a look and let us have your comments!

You can also find us on Facebook!

www.lylesland.org.uk

Data Protection Act, 1998 It is normal practice to include the names and phone numbers of our office bearers and other individuals in the Church. If any person does not wish to have their personal details included please inform the office.

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CHURCH FLOWERS

Loving God, please bless the members of the Flower Committee,

whose work is so often taken for granted. As they work alone in the Church,

week by week, to make your house more beautiful, may they feel your presence very near them.

Remind us to support their work and to thank them for it. Grant that the beauty of the arrangements that they create may be a constant reminder of you, who created all things

Leader Cath Higgins

Donor

Delivery

1st January Blank

8th January Blank

15th January Mrs Margaret Foster

Leader Margaret Lang

22nd January Blank

29th January Mrs Ellen Sinclair Mrs Ellen Sinclair

5th February Mrs C Thomson

Leader Annett McInnes

12th February Mrs D Easton Mrs D Easton

19th February Mrs M Banks Mrs M Banks

26th February Blank Mrs Jessie Shedden

Leader Patricia Thomson

5th March Blank Blank

12h March Mrs McGill

19th March Mrs Jessie Shedden Mrs Jessie Shedden

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Pastoral Letter December 2016

Always winter and never Christmas That is how CS Lewis describes the imagined world of Narnia in his excellent children’s book “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”. Four children, who are evacuated to a large house in the country during World War 2, find their way through the back of a wardrobe into the land of Narnia. It is winter. It is snowing. It is in fact always winter but never Christmas. It is a land that is held captive by the White Witch - she represents the power of evil and holds the whole land in a dark grip of hopeless despair. Sometimes we feel a bit like Narnia. We can get cynical and disenchanted about our everyday lives. We might seek escape in holidays or entertainment or constant activity but deep down there can be this absence of real hope. We can feel it is always winter and never Christmas. With the arrival of the children in Narnia, things begin to change. Aslan, the lion, is behind it all. In a lovely scene, Santa turns up! The snow begins to melt. Then Aslan himself appears. He agrees to be put to death in place of Edmund, one of the children, who had fallen into the witch’s hands. Aslan’s death breaks the witch’s evil power. He returns to life and frees Narnia. What a great picture of Jesus Aslan is! Here is what the apostle Paul says about Jesus himself: This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. (2 Timothy 1:9,10)

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When Jesus was born, Christmas came into the winter of our lives. Jesus brings real and lasting hope that chases despair away. For as we trust in him, we know that whatever happens he is with us, and that we will be with him forever – death is not the end. He died and rose again to deal with all that would otherwise separate us from God. Let us open our hearts and minds and lives this Christmas to all that God gives us, and has in store for us, in Jesus. I wish you all a very happy Christmas and a blessed New Year. Your friend and Minister

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Tony Johnstone—Church Secretary

We are delighted to welcome to Lylesland Tony Johnstone, our new Church Secretary, who began work on the 20th September. He has helpfully agreed to tell us about himself. Although born in Forfar I was brought up in Paisley, living first of all in Gallowhill, then Foxbar. I went to the old Abercorn primary school, then attended both Stanely Green and Camphill High schools. After leaving school I qualified as a Civil Engineering technician with the consulting engineers Sir William Halcrow, where I worked on the Glasgow Underground Modernisation. I then moved to Strathclyde Council to work on several motorway projects with the Roads Department. During my career with the Roads Department I changed direction and moved into Information Technology gaining a degree in Maths and Computing, while still working with local government. I then worked on IT Projects for the Water

Department, Education, Social Work and finished of working in the Payroll and HR section. I took the opportunity to take early retirement in 2011. The following year I took up the post of Church Secretary with St James’s Church in Underwood Road where I had been a member since childhood. At the same time, I also took up a part-time job with Enable, the learning disability charity, where I continue to work. I also work as the church secretary in St. Ninians in Ferguslie. While at St James’s church I was a member of the Kirk Session and the Session Treasurer for about 14 years.

I have two grown up children Lisa and Craig. My hobbies are mainly sports, karate in which I am a black belt and badminton, in which I am a qualified coach. I also enjoy running and hill walking. I am now enjoying the new challenge of working as the Church Secretary here at Lylesland Church, getting to know all the new faces and also their names.

We pray God’s blessing on Tony in his new role and we are glad that he has joined us. Do make yourself known to him if you are around the church on a Tuesday or Friday, which are his main working days.

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Friday 14th October was a busy day. There

were over 50 of us at the church for Megamix: 36 P1-7s, 6 S1/2s, 7 adult leaders and 2 helpers. We had a wide variety of table top games for the children to join in with as they arrived and once everyone was there we moved into the big hall for running about games. And they do like running….. !

This time we had ‘Creation’ as our theme and during our ‘Thought for the day’ we watched a great wee DVD on how God created our wonderful world. Our memory verse reminded us of what we had learned:

“God looked at everything He had made and he was very pleased” (Genesis 1v31). We praised God for all He has created and thanked Him for His love for each one of us. We had a ‘creation’ quiz and a couple of ‘creating’ slots - we painted bowls of fruit/vases of flowers, decorated biscuits, made pasta pictures and created all sorts of wonderful creatures out of playdoh! In among all the activities we also had time just to play (thanks to Lochfield School for the loan of sports equipment) and enjoy being together. We all brought packed lunches with us and lunchtime was a good opportunity to chat. Thanks to Margaret and Nan in the kitchen who supplied our snack and tea/coffee to keep the leaders going!

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PARISH REGISTER

BAPTISM

Olivia May Wright (11th September 2016)

NEW MEMBERs

By PROFESSION OF FAITH

Nicola Wright (11th September 2016)

DEATHS

Church members

Mary Park (Southfield Avenue) 30th August 2016 Archie Crawford (Ballater Drive) 19th September 2016

Netta Niven (Montrose Care Home) 28th September 2016 Murrie Jackson (Hamilton Court) 29th September 2016

Parish

Lyn Davidson (Thornly Park Avenue) 26thSeptember 2016 Robert Brown (Glenapp Avenue) 6th October 2016

The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore

Psalm 121v8

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WINTER Worship@Lylesland

Date Theme Passage

4th December 10 30am

7 00pm

Second Sunday in Advent: Songs for Advent - Zechariah’s Song Communion

Youth Café in medium hall (1st—6th yr)

Luke 1:67-80

7th December 2 00pm

Wednesday communion service (in medium hall)

11th December 10 30am

2 30pm

Third Sunday in Advent: Songs for Advent - The Angel’s Song Gift Service with Advent and Christmas music from the choir Service in Rowan Gardens Sheltered Housing

Luke 2:13-15

18th December 10 30am

Fourth Sunday in Advent: Nativity led by our young people All-age service

Saturday 24th December 7 00pm

Christmas Eve Carols by Candlelight service

25th December 10 30am

Christmas Day Family Service

1st January 2017 10 30am

New Year’s Day Simeon’s Song - Nunc Dimittis

Luke 2:28-32

8th January 10 30am

2 30pm

7 00pm

Morning worship Miss Greta Gray DCS Service in Rowan Gardens Sheltered Housing

Youth Café in medium hall (1st—6th yr)

15th January 10 30am

Reflections on Psalms The need for an eternal perspective

Psalm 73

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Operation Christmas Child

By the time you read this our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes will have been collected and delivered to the Glasgow depot, ready to be shipped overseas. Many thanks to all who filled shoeboxes and/or donated extra items and money.

Our prayer now is that the shoeboxes are safely delivered and that they will bring joy and hope into the lives of the children who receive them. We also pray that many of the children will accept a copy of the little book of Bible stories called The Greatest Gift of All which tells them about Jesus.

Sheila Cook

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We will celebrate the Sacrament of Communion during our morning worship on Sunday 4th December

An extra Communion service will be held in the Church Halls on

Wednesday 7th December

for those who are unable (for whatever reason) to attend on the Sunday. All are welcome at this informal service which

lasts about half-an-hour, after which afternoon tea is served in the foyer. Anyone requiring transport should inform his/her

elder, who in turn will pass the information to John Armit.

HOMELESS UNIT

The Harvest Thanksgiving Service saw a wonderful display of fruit, flowers, vegetables and groceries at the fron tof the church. After the service all the groceries were gathered into

bags by members of the team of leadies(and Ashleigh, Charlie and Kenzie) who regularly help each week. I did not count the number of bags Lylesland gave this year, but four cars were needed to take them all to the unit! Many thanks

to all who contributed in any way. Many thanks also to those who gave to the homeless unit each week throughout the year and to the team who sort and deleiver the goods.

If you could give 15 minutes on a Sunday and would like to help, speak to Moira Culloch.

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Date Theme Passage

22nd Janu-ary 10 30am

Reflections on Psalms The blessing of unity Week of prayer for Christian Unity

Psalm 133

29th Janu-ary 10 30am

Reflections on Psalms A lifting up for the downcast

Psalm 42

5th Febru-ary 10 30am

2 30pm

7 00pm

Morning worship Service in Rowan Gardens Sheltered Housing Youth Café in medium hall (1st—6th yr)

12th Febru-ary 10 30am

Morning worship

19th Febru-ary 10 30am

Morning worship

26th Febru-ary 10 30 am

Morning worship

Packets of six notelets are for sale on Sunday mornings, during tea and coffee, by the

Fundraising Committee in aid of Lylesland Fabric Fund, costing £2.

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Christmas Lunch As in previous years, we will be having a Christmas Lunch in the medium hall at 2pm on Christmas Day for anyone who would otherwise be on their own. If you would like to join us this year, or know of anyone who might be on their own, please speak to Sheila Cook. All are welcome. Transport to and from the church will be provided.

Dec 1 The letter to the Romans Blessed be the ties that bind

Romans 16:1-16

8 The letter to the Romans As wise as serpents, innocent as doves

Romans 16:17-27

15 Christmas focus and end of term meal (7pm)

On Thursday evenings at 7 30 pm, the Church gathers in the lounge of the manse at 36 Potterhill Avenue, for worship and fellow-ship, to learn from the Bible, occasionally to hear about the work of another Christian or-ganisation or what God has done in other times and is doing in other places, and to pray.

The first meeting of 2017 will be on Thursday 12th January at 7 30 pm

Why not come along and find help to grow in your faith? If you need transport please contact Tony in the office.

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Have you reviewed your regular giving to the Church? If you pay income tax, are you a member of the Gift Aid Scheme? Do you have a fund raising box for your odd coins? Can you regularly put some silver coins in your fund raising box? Do you support our fund raisers’ requests for donations? Have you remembered the Church in your Will?

Jean Lindsay (tel. 0141 561 2433) will provide any assistance that you require regarding donations under the Gift Aid Scheme or by standing order. The ability to pay our way as a congregation is not a matter of discretion; it is an obligation to which we all committed.

Since our last Newsletter I have been advised by solicitors acting for the Executors of the late Elizabeth Montgomery that in terms of her Will we are entitled to receive a 10% share of the residue of her estate and by solicitors acting for the Executors of the late Archie Crawford that he has left a legacy of £5,000 to the congregation. We give thanks for the thoughtfulness and generosity of Elizabeth and Archie in making this final contribution to the work of the Church. Be assured, such final offerings are of significant benefit to the financial well-being of the congregation. Alex Easton Treasurer

LOCHFIELD COMMUNITY WALKING GROUP Why should you go walking? It is a great way to stay healthy with many benefits, a few of which are

- Helps control weight - improves heart and lung function - reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol - keeps the brain active and helps toward self-confidence - builds and maintains healthy bones, joints and muscles.

The Lochfield Community Walking Group is the latest addition to the 8 community walking groups in Renfrewshire that are part of the Renfrewshire Walking Network. If you are starting out on your first walk, build up your fitness gradually by joining the LOCHFIELD COMMUNITY WALKING GROUP. You will meet new friends, chat and possibly find mutual friends. There are 48-weekly walks a year, led by trained lead-ers with many years’ experience’ We meet each Thursday morning at Lylesland Church, Rowan Street, Paisley, leaving at 10:30am. Our Last walk this year will ne on 8th December and our first walk is scheduled for 12th January. The McGill No. 66bus stops are just outside the church gates. Lasting around 1 hour plus, the area boundary is roughly the River Cart up to Thornley Park, Neilston Road to Grahamston Road, with forays into Dykebar Hospital, Paisley Centre and Oldhall, Glenfield, Ross Park and surrounding areas. Comfortable footwear is recommended as the various walks can be over pavement, gravel, and grass. Further information can be obtained from Senga McLeod, Communi-ty Activity Officer, Renfrewshire Leisure Sports Services. (Telephone: 0141842 300)

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FINANCE

The money ingathered for Christian Aid and for Tearfund at the ‘Harvest Service’ amounted to £231.35. This has been shared between those charitable organisations.

It is some time since I reported on the amount contributed by those members who save their small change in their collection boxes and donate this to the Church. If I remember correctly at that time I was offering to return a supermarket trolley token! In a similar vein, a recent count revealed Lylesland vying to be one of the best travelled congregations in the land with donations of American cents, Australian cents, Canadian cents, French centimes and a Hong Kong dollar; and nearer to home a George V1 sixpence, a George V silver threepence and a Queen Victoria halfpenny. More importantly, at the time of writing this article the total donated do far this year is £510.39. Just as the number of members of the congregation has been reducing, so also has the total donated each year; but all collectors please be reassured that this remains a greatly valued and appreciated source of income for the congregation. As I may previously have mentioned, each time my wife Donna, who counts this money for us, espies a bag with silver coins in it she cannot help but smile in anticipation of momentary escape from all of the copper. So a thought for those who collect this way - ‘Make Donna Smile’!

Last month I reported that the Congregational Board had asked a small group of its members to consider how we can better purchase our goods and services. That group has completed its work and has made a positive report to the Board. Two major areas were identified and have been actioned. First, like many organisations we had drifted into ‘habit’ buying, i.e. we always purchase from them, and not regularly shopping around. Secondly, an insufficient number of us recognised that, over the six years or so that we have had our present printer, printing technology has advanced so much that printing costs, in our case primarily the cost of ink, can be greatly reduced. We have entered into a lease arrangement for a new printer in terms of which we pay a leasing charge plus a charge per page printed or copied. All ink and servicing costs are included in those two charges. Subject to the proper monitoring of our usage this arrangement has the potential to reduce our printing cost by a four figure sum.

At the October meeting of the Board I was able to report that for the first nine months of this year, the aggregate amount of all of our offerings plus tax reclaimed under the Gift Aid Scheme was approximately £1,000 greater than for the same period last year (2015: £60,755 and 2016: £61,705). The Kirk Session and the Congregational Board greatly appreciate the financial support which the congregation continues to provide.

As ever at this time of year I remind everyone that the proper Stewardship of our financial affairs is an ongoing and ever present requirement. It is not a matter for a ‘from time to time’ special appeal. It is something which each of us must conscientiously reflect upon on a regular basis, and so I ask:

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Our friends Sam and Ruth Lee are happy to report they are settling into their new home in a friendly neighbourhood and learning their way around Chiang Mai. They have been warmly welcomed into a small Thai church. Sam and Ruth ask us to pray for them as they learn Thai – a tonal language and very difficult. Sam is very busy at his new office supporting and helping those involved in the Christian movement. Mark and Paul are enjoying international school and doing well. Lisa, Johannes and Anneke are learning at home and have a home school assistant, Candace, who helps Ruth teach. This makes a big difference and enables her to give each child more attention. Sam and Ruth are involved in many activities and with many groups: encouraging workers in the country they have left; Mark and Paul’s school; the home school group; office staff in Chiang Mai; Thai church and international church; and their neighbours. Unfortunately, they are facing a financial shortfall of around 20% and would value our prayers in this matter. And they also ask us to pray for the country they recently left where the people not only live in fear of the spirits but of each other.

Our mission partners, Steve and Katuska Davies, arrived back from Mozambique in March. At present, primarily for the boys’ education, they will be here for the foreseeable future although at some time they may return to mission work. Steve has accepted a pastorate in Campbeltown and the

family leave for there soon. The Davies recently spent a pleasant evening with the Thursday Fellowship recalling aspects of life in Mozambique. We were happy to welcome Steve to preach in Lylesland on Sunday 16 October

and send Steve, Katuska and the boys, Samuel, Joseph and Benjamin, our warmest good wishes.

Elizabeth Gibson

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The Guild - Go in Joy “Whose we are and Whom we serve”

At the time of writing we have almost completed our first month of meetings. We are very lucky to have gained some new members and look forward to ongoing fellowship with them. Our opening meeting was taken by our own minister Alistair Cook who gave us lots to think about on our theme for this year “ Go In Joy “. Sheila came along with Alistair and both gave us the pleasure of some lovely music. Although the subjects so far have been of a serious nature – Haiti, Mary’s Meals and CHAS our speakers have been wonderful both in knowledge and insight given with humour, love and commitment. We look forward to our end of October meeting when Maureen McRobb will entertain us in our first afternoon meeting this session with “ Nowt Sae Queer as Folk “ Moving into November we will have Douglas Keith speaking on his “ Rhine Cruise “, Emma Wyse on “ Images of South America “,Sam & Roberta taking us “ A Trip Down Memory Lane “ and ending the month with Robert McQuistan’s talk about “ Scots Language “. December is taken up with a joint Carol Service at Stow Brae ( always enjoyable) and we’re all looking forward to our last meeting of the year - Christmas Lunch, a very happy friendly outing. We restart our New Year on the 9th January with Margaret Lang’s “ Welcome Back “ followed weekly by Colin Wylie with “Life Long Learning”, Christina Wylie speaking on “ Prison Fellowship “, then Nan Mulholland taking us on “ A Mystery Journey “. February brings “ A History & Experience of The Orient Express “ by Ronnie Breingan. The next week 13th Feb. is our fundraising “Beetle Drive”, which is great fun ,unbelievably competitive with a nice supper. We then return to a more serious note with a Christian Aid representative telling us about work in Bolivia before ending the month with an intriguing talk “ Love Letters from a Desert Rat “ by L Allan. Our final meetings are in March with “ A Musical Evening “ with Sam Wilson and a Musical Group A.G.M on the 20th . The AGM and Bring and Buy end our session on 27th March which only leaves us to celebrate another happy successful session at our “Get Together “ lunch somewhere nice The Guild aim has always been to encourage Christian Fellowship and now includes both women and men. We extend a warm welcome to come and join us and share that fellowship.

Anne Wilson

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Lunch@Lylesland

There has been quite a buzz about the medium hall on the last Fridays of Sept and Oct for our Lunch @ Lylesland. About 35/40 people gathered for a bowl of home-made soup and some sandwiches, followed by tea/coffee and a wee

something to follow! It is always a good opportunity to catch up with family and friends and also to welcome new people. The next Lunch @ Lylesland is on Fri 25

th November, 12noon-1pm. If you haven’t

been before why not come along then - it would be lovely to see you. Come on your own and enjoy some company or bring along some family or friends or neighbours. Everyone is welcome. Transport can be arranged by speaking to Janis McNeil or Sheila Cook.

Lunch @ Lylesland: Fri 25

th November 2016

Fri 27th January 2017

Fri 24th February 2017

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THANK OFFERING

The amount of the October communion services ‘Thank Offering’ in aid of The Haven was £336.50 and £238.00 of this amount was donated via the Gift Aid scheme. After adding tax recoverable on the Gift Aid portion, £59.50, the total to be emitted to The Haven is £396.00. The Kirk Session is grateful to the members for their generous support of this worthy cause.

The ‘Thank Offering’ at the December communion service will be in aid of Scripture Union Scotland. Scripture Union Scotland (SUS) is part of the worldwide family of Scripture Union movements. The vision at SU Scotland is to see the children and young people of Scotland exploring the Bible and responding to the significance of Jesus.

For nearly 150 years, Scripture Union has been working hard to share the good news of the gospel with children and young people in exciting and relevant ways. SUS is passionate about bringing the Bible to life and introducing the next generation to a faith in Jesus. Everything SUS does is about valuing children and young people. SUS helps them explore what Jesus said and did. SUS offer times and places where they can discover, challenge and decide. SUS work with schools across Scotland, providing pupils with opportunities to explore values and beliefs from a Christian perspective through classroom work, assemblies and residential experiences.

More following information about the work of SUS can be

found on its website http://www.suscotland.org.uk .

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Jesus said,

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them”

We all love a Superhero. Who is your favourite? Superman? Spiderman? Batman? Wonder Woman? Their super powers capture our imagination and the triumph of good over evil appeals to our sense of justice. The only problem is that they aren’t real! A bit of a letdown.

Over the last few months in Livewires we’ve been taking a look at some real life Superheroes found in the Bible. We started with the greatest Superhero of all time and were amazed at everything Jesus has done. We have learned how Joshua obeyed God resulting in the collapse of the walls of Jericho, how Elijah trusted God completely in the great contest on Mount Carmel against the prophets of Baal, how Daniel continued praying despite the threat of the lion’s den…and his miraculous rescue! Our last superhero before Christmas will be Mary – a young girl who said to God,

“I am the Lord’s servant, may your

word to me be fulfilled.”

This will bring us into the season of Advent with all its excitement and anticipation, giving us another opportunity to marvel at the birth of our Lord Jesus. No doubt we will have lots of fun preparing for the Nativity Play on Sunday 18th Dec and will all enjoy our Christmas party in sometime in December.

We continue to give God thanks for all our children and young people and pray God’s blessing on them and their families.

Sheila Cook

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CONGREGATIONAL BOARD Property matters The Congregational Board has appointed me Anne Wilson as Property Convenor as Sam has moved to his new position as Clerk to the Board As with any property work is ongoing ensuring we keep the fabric of our church in good order. You may have noticed some of the work but most is never seen but still required. We have new Choir Stalls, these were the idea of Sam Wilson and used the wood from the pews removed from the rear of the church to accommodate the projector and sound controls. We must thank Sam and his carpenter friend Robert Todd for their forethought , design, manufacture and assembly to make the choirs lives easier. Some finishing work has to be completed. Some other thanks are due to Andrew Brown for his skill and work in the Chancel area. Jim Tannahill for replacing and repairing our lights, Iain Woods for replacing ceiling tiles, Sam Wilson for repairs to mid hall floor and outside lights, Tom Higgins for organising some cartridge recycling and John Caldwell for being at my beck and call when needed and never complains(to me anyway). We can feel safe in that all our electrics – junction boxes , sockets and plugs have passed all tests with no problems. By the time you read this hopefully we will have completed our Halls – Clean and Tidy and a big thank you to all who volunteered to help, remembering more will always be needed for the next time. Please remember all those willing helpers in your prayers and for the continuing health and welfare of our church. Anne Wilson

Grand Winter Fete By the time you read this I am confident you will say, “Yes, we had a lovely time at the fete, and many thanks to Sheila and her team for all the work involved.”

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Lylesland Youth Fellowship

Here we are in the winter Months looking forward to what is in store for the Y.F. we have been running a youth cafe in the church halls for the last two months and will continue on the first Sunday of every month apart from January which will be on the 8th. We have decided to change the time from 7 till 8.30pm. The café is for young people from 1st year up to 6th year. The evenings consist of table tennis, pool, the Wii and an Xbox. This month we are also going to introduce some hammer beads and Christmas Crafts. There is plenty of opportunity for the young people to have juice, sweets, hot chocolate and chat. We finish the evenings with a very short epilogue. Alistair Auld and I are grateful for the help of Bill and Ann Young and Laura Brown. Carolyn Auld.

Our prayer is that our young people will know and trust Jesus for themselves and

continue to grow in their faith